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Generosity Path How Do Different Cultures Respond? First some - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Generosity Path How Do Different Cultures Respond? First some - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Generosity Path How Do Different Cultures Respond? First some background on Generosity Path Generous Giving Started by four friends in 2000 Journey of Generosity Overnight retreat among friends Safe environment Fully funded by
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God has given us a process that works—Why does it work?
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Why does it work…?
The way adults learn
Facilitated conversation
Listening to God
We offer inspiration and space
Stories
Video examples of radical generosity by rich & poor
Scripture
God’s Word speaks powerfully about giving
Rinse & repeat
Group interaction & listening to the Spirit Works every time!
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Observations Among Different Cultures
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Cultural dynamics show up in giving! Scripture affirms some aspects of each culture’s approach to giving. Scripture pushes against other aspects of each culture’s approach to giving.
Overview
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What money means to us…
Men
It’s a score card & it’s competitive; this seems to cross cultures
Women
Security for me & my family—especially in cultures with high gender disparity
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Generational views on giving…
First generation
Tends to be open-handed; a biblical sense that my wealth comes from God and I should be generous with His money
Second & third generations
More closed-handed; a fear of the inability to create wealth, so the tendency to try hold
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“Role” in wealth management…
Business owners
First instinct is to be more generous to “their people” as they build the business.
Investors
Prefer a ”portfolio” of giving opportunities
Professionals
Are often systematic in their giving (think spreadsheets), but get joy from being spontaneous
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Reasons we love money...
The West
What I can have—things or experiences
China
How I show worth or value through providing for family
India
The amount of land or property I can acquire
It’s all about identity!
Matthew 6:21
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Hindrances to generosity...
China
Whom can I trust? How can I transfer funds without raising suspicion?
Korea
What is the standard? How do I get a “A” in giving?
Indonesia
Does the church use my money well? Pastor is rich!
- S. Africa/L. America
I’ve been burned by the “prosperity gospel"
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Who’s involved in giving...?
West
Giving is an individual and unilateral decision. I have financial advisors, but no one advises me
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Asia
Generally, I give to the church. They decide how to use the money.
Latin America
I’m helping to build the family business, and we will decide together how to give.
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Views of the church...
State church cultures
I’ve already given through taxes.
Mostly Christian cultures
Church giving, but emphasis on para- church
Minority Christian cultures
Most give to the church and have suspicion of
- ther organizations.
Church provides all of the necessary ministries to which to give.
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Causes or focus areas in giving...
West
Mercy, orphans, adoption/foster, anti- Trafficking ministries are in vogue. And we enjoy telling others how we’re making a difference.
Asia
Proclamation ministries are the priority. Many wealthy Christians are newly so, and want to fund work that shares the message of the Gospel. This includes cross-cultural missions.
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Generosity in the United States
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Evangelicals in the US are among the most generous people in the world. A Gospel-oriented approach to life generally leads to more giving.
Theology matters!
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On average…
American evangelicals give about 6% of their incomes to charity. The more a Christian prays, reads the Bible and goes to church, the more she gives. Non-evangelical Christians give approximately 2.4% of their incomes. Non-Christians give an average of 2%. Generosity is evidence of spiritual growth and maturity! And many say that “Generosity is the new evangelism.”
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Faith impacts philanthropy…
Bill and Melinda Gates have showed renewed openness to faith. More and more philanthropists express how their faith motivates their giving. Others are borrowing biblical terms—like tithing—to frame the new philanthropic movement.
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Generosity helps the US church…
We need a positive narrative alongside what the culture views as the “what we’re against” narrative. Generosity provides this opportunity. Many emerging non-profits in the US are led by Christians, though proclamation of the Gospel is not their purpose… Kiva, Charity:Water, International Justice Mission. This allows Christians to regularly interact with government and secular NGOs. When Christians talk about and live the biblical message of generosity, we demonstrate Kingdom values which are counter-cultural and attractive.
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